Dole Community Park

Green Spaces and Location

Nestled on about 3.2 acres of land, Dole Community Park offers plenty of room to stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoors. What makes this park interesting is that it's carved right out of a rocky hillside, creating a unique landscape you won't find at your average neighborhood park.

You'll come across it tucked behind Hokulani Elementary School and just a short walk from the University of Hawaii's Hawaiian Studies Center - making it super accessible for families and students in the area. And if you're relying on public transportation, good news - there's a bus stop nearby.

Unique Playgrounds

Kids (and let's be honest, some adults too) will love the two distinct playgrounds here, each with its own swing set. These aren't your cookie-cutter play areas - they've got equipment you might not see at other parks around town.

The lower playground features a track ride that tends to be a hit with older kids, while little ones gravitate toward the turtle climber at the upper playground. Parents can breathe a little easier knowing the ground is covered with soft surfacing to cushion any tumbles.

Sports and Recreation Facilities

For the sports enthusiasts, the park includes basketball courts, tennis courts, a baseball field, and a softball field. There's something for just about every athlete here.

On hot days, the outdoor pool is the place to be. And if organized sports aren't your thing, there's plenty of open grassy space excellent for tossing a frisbee or having an impromptu picnic.

Community Hub

Beyond just a place to play, Dole Community Park functions as a gathering spot for locals. The recreation center hosts various classes including hula lessons for keiki (children).

Despite being in an urban setting, the park maintains a peaceful atmosphere - a quiet retreat where community members of all ages come together. You might come for exercise but end up staying to chat with neighbors.

Notable Features

The park's large banyan tree is a natural centerpiece, providing generous shade on sunny days. There's something quite peaceful about sitting under its sprawling branches.

The covered pavilion not only provides shelter from sun or rain but also has some interesting acoustics - worth checking out if you're into that sort of thing.

Thanks to the hillside location, the park experiences minimal wind, making it a favorite spot for drone pilots to practice without fighting gusts.

Amenities

You can find the basics covered with restroom facilities and water fountains, but be aware that restrooms occasionally close for maintenance. Parking is limited to about 10 spots, including handicap-accessible spaces, so you might want to consider alternative transportation during busy times.

The park officially welcomes visitors from 5AM to 10PM daily, but keep in mind that local authorities sometimes enforce an earlier 8:30PM closing time for community safety reasons.